Sir Keir Starmer has firmly rejected the idea of devolving powers over migration to Holyrood. The Prime Minister made it clear during a visit to Glasgow that his government was not considering this proposal. This decision comes despite previous expressions from the Prime Minister about wanting to improve the relationship between the Scottish and UK governments, following tensions between the SNP in Edinburgh and the previous Conservative government in London. When asked if this “reset” would involve considering devolving immigration powers, which the Scottish Government has repeatedly called for, Sir Keir responded, “No, we’re not looking at that.”
Speaking at the Interpol General Assembly, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of international cooperation to combat people smuggling. He announced an additional £75 million for border security, doubling spending to a total of £150 million over the next two years. Scottish Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has criticised UK immigration policies, stating they are causing harm to Scotland’s economy. She previously called for a tailored migration system to address the specific needs of industries like energy, agriculture, and tourism in Scotland.
In response to Sir Keir’s comments, Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart expressed disappointment, highlighting the opportunity for collaboration between the UK and Scottish governments on migration. Stewart stressed the need for an immigration system that serves Scotland’s interests, including the potential full devolution of powers. The Scottish Government is advocating for tailored migration solutions such as a Scottish Visa or Rural Visa Pilot, with support from stakeholders in Scotland.
As the debate on immigration powers continues, it is clear that there are differing opinions on how best to address Scotland’s specific economic and demographic needs in relation to migration. The dialogue between the UK and Scottish governments will be crucial in finding solutions that benefit all parties involved.
In summary, Sir Keir Starmer has rejected calls for immigration powers to be devolved to Holyrood, sparking discussions on the impact of UK immigration policies on Scotland’s economy. The push for tailored migration solutions that cater to Scotland’s unique needs highlights the importance of collaboration between the UK and Scottish governments in shaping future immigration policies.